Mole Removal
Moles are common skin growths that can affect any area of the body and may be cancerous or benign. Mole removal procedures are medically necessary to treat skin cancer but may also be performed for cosmetic reasons. Moles can be removed by shaving them with a scalpel, burning them with an electric current, or via surgical excision. It is always important that a dermatologist evaluate a skin lesion prior to its removal to determine whether a biopsy is necessary to rule out skin cancer. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green provides her patients with regular skin checks at her private office in New York City to keep them safe and healthy.
A dermatologist like Dr. Green specializes in diagnosing and treating various skin conditions and is highly trained in evaluating various types of moles. Dermatologists use the ABCDE criteria to assess if a mole warrants further testing. ABCDE stands for asymmetrical shape, border, changes in color, diameter, and evolving. An atypical mole with irregular borders or color or an existing mole that has changed in size or shape may require a biopsy. Mole removal may also be done for cosmetic reasons, with many patients choosing to remove benign skin lesions, including bothersome skin tags and unsightly seborrheic keratoses.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with customized skincare and treatment plans, including mole removal procedures for skin cancer and cosmetic reasons. She is consistently identified as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, and New York Magazine for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Dr. Green is an active member of the Skin Cancer Foundation Society and regularly donates her time for skin cancer screenings. She believes that early diagnosis of skin cancer, especially melanoma, saves lives and advises all of her patients to have regular skin checks to evaluate for new moles or changing skin lesions.
What is a mole?
Moles, or nevi, are benign growths that can appear flesh-colored, light brown, blue, or dark brown. Moles are formed from a clustering or clumping of melanocytes, the cells that give rise to pigmentation in the skin, with those darker in color containing more melanocytes inside. Common moles are oval or round and can appear flat or raised. Moles can appear anywhere in the body but are commonly found in areas with high sun exposure, such as the arms, legs, back, and face. Moles are extremely common, with individuals having anywhere from 10 to 40 moles by the time they reach adulthood. While moles are generally benign, some moles are pre-cancerous or skin cancer. Individuals with a family history of melanoma, a large number of moles, large moles present at birth, unusual moles, or excessive sun exposure are at greater risk for having cancerous moles. It is essential to have annual skin examinations for early detection and consult a dermatologist if you are suspicious of any new or existing mole.
What is mole removal?
Moles can be removed by shaving them off, burning them with an electric current, or surgically excising them. Mole removal should only be performed by a healthcare professional in a medical setting. A primary care provider may occasionally remove a benign mole. However, it is recommended to have skin lesions evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC. A dermatologist like Dr. Green specializes in diagnosing and treating various skin conditions and disorders and is highly trained to determine whether a mole looks suspicious or atypical. If a mole looks unusual, Dr. Green usually recommends taking a biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a small piece of the mole to send it to a laboratory for evaluation under a microscope, which can confirm whether a skin lesion is cancerous or non-cancerous. The mole removal procedure recommended for you may depend on the location and type of mole being removed. Mole removal via surgical excision may be performed by a plastic surgeon, depending on the complexity, depth, and location of the skin lesion.
When does a mole need to be removed?
A mole may need to be removed, based on examination, if it appears suspicious. Healthcare providers and dermatologists use the ABCDE criteria to assess if a mole warrants further testing. ABCDE stands for asymmetrical shape, border, changes in color, diameter, and evolving. An unusual mole with irregular borders or color or an existing mole that has changed in size or shape may require a skin biopsy to determine what type of mole it is. A trained dermatologist such as Dr. Green will assess the physical characteristics of the mole to determine if the lesion should be biopsied and sent for histologic examination. If the mole is non-cancerous, no follow-up is needed. If the mole is precancerous or cancerous, further treatment is required. Other benign types of moles, such as skin tags, angiomas, and seborrheic keratoses, do not need to be removed for medical purposes but may be removed for cosmetic reasons. In addition to performing skin cancer screenings and treatment, Dr. Green offers mole removal procedures for cosmetic reasons.
What is the best way to remove a mole?
Various mole removal procedures are available, and the recommended treatment will often depend on the size and location of the mole. These procedures include shave removal, surgical excision, electrodesiccation, and liquid nitrogen. Dermatologists do not consider laser treatments to be a good option for mole removal for two reasons: first, the laser cannot penetrate deep enough to remove the lesion, and second, there will be no remaining tissue sample to test the lesion for cancerous cells. Laser removal should only be utilized for cosmetic reasons, including the treatment of sun spots, age spots, wrinkles, port wine stains, nevus of Ota, and other benign pigmented skin lesions.
Shave removal for moles
Shave removal involves removing the shaving the surface of the mole to the level of the surrounding skin. The site is first cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort during the procedure. The surface of the skin and mole is shaved with either a scalpel or razor blade, placed in formalin, and sent to the laboratory for examination. Bacitracin ointment or Aquaphor and a bandaid are then applied to the treated area. With proper wound care, the site should heal well within a week. The benefits of shave removal are that there are no stitches involved, the site heals quickly, and generally, no scars are formed.
Surgical excision of moles
Surgical excision is a surgical procedure generally reserved for a mole or skin cancer that is very large or needs to be removed from deeper layers of skin. After the area is cleaned and numbed, a scalpel or a special surgical scissor is used to remove the entire mole and a margin of surrounding skin. The tissues are then sent to a laboratory for testing. Sutures are typically used to close the treatment site for this type of mole removal procedure. In some cases, the area may additionally be cauterized using a hyfrecator. Removing a mole through surgical excision takes longer to heal than other methods of mole removal, and healing time is dependent on the size and type of mole. Typically, many surgical excision cases are referred to a plastic surgeon for treatment.
Electrodesiccation of moles
Some benign moles or growths, such as seborrheic keratoses or skin tags, can be removed efficiently through the process of electrodesiccation. Electrodesiccation is the process of using an electric current to destroy the lesion with cautery or heat. The site will scab, and bacitracin ointment or Aquaphor will be applied as the site begins to heal over the next several days. This method of removal is reserved for benign lesions, as the tissue cannot be sent to a laboratory for testing after the procedure. Alternatively, some types of skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can be treated and removed through curettage and electrodesiccation after a confirmed diagnosis.
Liquid nitrogen
Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze off benign lesions, actinic keratoses, or pre-cancerous growths. The procedure is very quick and involves the application of liquid nitrogen to the mole, which freezes upon contact. The treated area may blister or scab within a few days, and proper wound care will help to prevent scarring. Liquid nitrogen should only be used on benign growths since no skin biopsy is taken during the procedure. Additionally, liquid nitrogen is not typically used to remove moles due to the increased possibility of scarring.
Can moles be safely removed?
Absolutely! Shave removal, surgical excision, electrodesiccation, and liquid nitrogen are all safe methods for removing a mole. When done by a board-certified dermatologist, the risks of bleeding, scarring, and infection from a mole removal are extremely low. After an initial assessment of your mole, the method for removal will be chosen based on the size and location of the mole. After removal, the treated area should be cleaned daily and covered with bacitracin ointment or Aquaphor. A bandaid may additionally be applied depending on the mole removal method used. Practicing proper aftercare and having your mole removal performed by an expert such as Dr. Green are excellent ways to ensure that your mole removal is both safe and effective. When you have a mole removal procedure with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green at her private office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will provide you with all of the important aftercare required for optimal results and minimal scarring.
How long is a mole removal procedure?
A mole removal procedure at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in New York City typically takes no more than ten minutes to complete. The skin lesion will be marked, cleaned with alcohol, and treated with a local anesthetic. Dr. Green will either shave the lesion with a scalpel or burn it with an electric current, which usually takes only a few minutes. The area will then be cleaned again with hydrogen peroxide. Ointment, either bacitracin or Aquaphor, is applied to the wound, and it is covered with a bandage. These mole removal procedures are quick, easy, and straightforward, meaning patients can easily schedule their regular medical skin checks or cosmetic mole removal procedures. If surgical excision is required, the mole removal procedure may take up to one hour, depending on the size and depth of the skin lesion.
How long does a removed mole take to heal?
If a biopsy has been taken of a skin lesion, the site will heal usually within ten days of the procedure. It is advised to keep the area covered with anti-bacterial ointment and a bandage while the lesion is healing. Moles that are removed with shave excision are expected to heal in a similar time frame. If a skin lesion is removed using electrodesiccation or surgical excision, it can take two to three weeks to heal fully. Dr. Green will provide you with all of the pertinent aftercare information required for an optimal outcome, depending on the type of mole removal procedure you have.
Which Types of Mole Require Surgical Excision?
Depending on the size and location of a skin lesion and the cosmetic concerns of the patient, some moles need to be surgically removed. In addition, some atypical moles or skin cancers require surgical excision due to their complexity or depth. When this type of plastic surgery is needed, it is best to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to help improve the cosmetic outcome and give you an optimal scar. If you have regular skin examinations with Dr. Green and a surgical excision is required for one of your atypical moles, she will refer you to a trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon for treatment.
The plastic surgeon or Moh’s surgeon (skin cancer surgeon) will mark the area, clean it, numb the area with a local anesthetic, and use a scalpel or another instrument to excise the mole with a border surrounding it. The size of the margin depends on both the anatomic location and the degree of atypia or skin cancer. With skin cancers or atypical moles, the border must be large enough to ensure complete removal. Stitches may be placed both superficially and deeply if it is a large, deep excision. The outer sutures are removed in approximately ten days, depending on the area of the body the mole was removed from. Special aftercare must be adhered to in order to keep the excision area clean after surgery. You will be advised not to do any unnecessary exercise or other activities that might interfere with wound healing. If excision is required, you may be asked to discontinue blood thinners, aspirin, Motrin, Alleve, multivitamins, herbal supplements, or any other medications that could prolong bleeding and delay wound healing and clotting.
What is the Mole Removal Procedure for a Shave Removal?
Depending on the size and location of the mole, a photo may first be taken to document the skin lesion. Occasionally, photos are forwarded to pathologists at the lab to assist in their diagnoses. The atypical mole to be removed is marked, cleaned with alcohol, and numbed with a local anesthetic such as lidocaine with epinephrine. The type of lidocaine used is short-acting so that the area will feel numb immediately. The addition of epinephrine causes vasoconstriction to reduce any unnecessary bleeding during the removal process. A sterile scalpel is then used to shave the mole flush to the skin. The mole is placed in formalin and sent to the pathology laboratory for examination under a microscope. If any additional bleeding occurs, the area will be cauterized with a hyfrecator or electric needle. The wound is then cleaned with hydrogen peroxide and covered with bacitracin ointment or Aquaphor and a bandaid. Written aftercare instructions are given to the patient when they leave the office following a mole removal procedure to guarantee the best outcome. Dr. Green will call you with the pathology results of the biopsy as soon as they are available. If additional follow-up is needed, Dr. Green will schedule your follow-up appointment or skin exam.
Source: Cancer.gov
When does a mole need to be removed?
A mole may need to be removed, based on examination, if it appears suspicious. Healthcare providers and dermatologists use the ABCDE criteria to assess if a mole warrants further testing. ABCDE stands for asymmetrical shape, border, changes in color, diameter, and evolving. An unusual mole with irregular borders or color or an existing mole that has changed in size or shape may require a skin biopsy to determine what type of mole it is. A trained dermatologist such as Dr. Green will assess the physical characteristics of the mole to determine if the lesion should be biopsied and sent for histologic examination. If the mole is non-cancerous, no follow-up is needed. If the mole is precancerous or cancerous, further treatment is required. Other benign types of moles, such as skin tags, angiomas, and seborrheic keratoses, do not need to be removed for medical purposes but may be removed for cosmetic reasons. In addition to performing skin cancer screenings and treatment, Dr. Green offers mole removal procedures for cosmetic reasons.
What is the best way to remove a mole?
Various mole removal procedures are available, and the recommended treatment will often depend on the size and location of the mole. These procedures include shave removal, surgical excision, electrodesiccation, and liquid nitrogen. Dermatologists do not consider laser treatments to be a good option for mole removal for two reasons: first, the laser cannot penetrate deep enough to remove the lesion, and second, there will be no remaining tissue sample to test the lesion for cancerous cells. Laser removal should only be utilized for cosmetic reasons, including the treatment of sun spots, age spots, wrinkles, port wine stains, nevus of Ota, and other benign pigmented skin lesions.
Shave removal for moles
Shave removal involves removing the shaving the surface of the mole to the level of the surrounding skin. The site is first cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort during the procedure. The surface of the skin and mole is shaved with either a scalpel or razor blade, placed in formalin, and sent to the laboratory for examination. Bacitracin ointment or Aquaphor and a bandaid are then applied to the treated area. With proper wound care, the site should heal well within a week. The benefits of shave removal are that there are no stitches involved, the site heals quickly, and generally, no scars are formed.
Surgical excision of moles
Surgical excision is a surgical procedure generally reserved for a mole or skin cancer that is very large or needs to be removed from deeper layers of skin. After the area is cleaned and numbed, a scalpel or a special surgical scissor is used to remove the entire mole and a margin of surrounding skin. The tissues are then sent to a laboratory for testing. Sutures are typically used to close the treatment site for this type of mole removal procedure. In some cases, the area may additionally be cauterized using a hyfrecator. Removing a mole through surgical excision takes longer to heal than other methods of mole removal, and healing time is dependent on the size and type of mole. Typically, many surgical excision cases are referred to a plastic surgeon for treatment.
Electrodesiccation of moles
Some benign moles or growths, such as seborrheic keratoses or skin tags, can be removed efficiently through the process of electrodesiccation. Electrodesiccation is the process of using an electric current to destroy the lesion with cautery or heat. The site will scab, and bacitracin ointment or Aquaphor will be applied as the site begins to heal over the next several days. This method of removal is reserved for benign lesions, as the tissue cannot be sent to a laboratory for testing after the procedure. Alternatively, some types of skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can be treated and removed through curettage and electrodesiccation after a confirmed diagnosis.
Liquid nitrogen
Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze off benign lesions, actinic keratoses, or pre-cancerous growths. The procedure is very quick and involves the application of liquid nitrogen to the mole, which freezes upon contact. The treated area may blister or scab within a few days, and proper wound care will help to prevent scarring. Liquid nitrogen should only be used on benign growths since no skin biopsy is taken during the procedure. Additionally, liquid nitrogen is not typically used to remove moles due to the increased possibility of scarring.
Can moles be safely removed?
Absolutely! Shave removal, surgical excision, electrodesiccation, and liquid nitrogen are all safe methods for removing a mole. When done by a board-certified dermatologist, the risks of bleeding, scarring, and infection from a mole removal are extremely low. After an initial assessment of your mole, the method for removal will be chosen based on the size and location of the mole. After removal, the treated area should be cleaned daily and covered with bacitracin ointment or Aquaphor. A bandaid may additionally be applied depending on the mole removal method used. Practicing proper aftercare and having your mole removal performed by an expert such as Dr. Green are excellent ways to ensure that your mole removal is both safe and effective. When you have a mole removal procedure with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green at her private office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she will provide you with all of the important aftercare required for optimal results and minimal scarring.
3 weeks after treatment with Electrodessication (for removal of cosmetic moles)
How long is a mole removal procedure?
A mole removal procedure at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office in New York City typically takes no more than ten minutes to complete. The skin lesion will be marked, cleaned with alcohol, and treated with a local anesthetic. Dr. Green will either shave the lesion with a scalpel or burn it with an electric current, which usually takes only a few minutes. The area will then be cleaned again with hydrogen peroxide. Ointment, either bacitracin or Aquaphor, is applied to the wound, and it is covered with a bandage. These mole removal procedures are quick, easy, and straightforward, meaning patients can easily schedule their regular medical skin checks or cosmetic mole removal procedures. If surgical excision is required, the mole removal procedure may take up to one hour, depending on the size and depth of the skin lesion.
How long does a removed mole take to heal?
If a biopsy has been taken of a skin lesion, the site will heal usually within ten days of the procedure. It is advised to keep the area covered with anti-bacterial ointment and a bandage while the lesion is healing. Moles that are removed with shave excision are expected to heal in a similar time frame. If a skin lesion is removed using electrodesiccation or surgical excision, it can take two to three weeks to heal fully. Dr. Green will provide you with all of the pertinent aftercare information required for an optimal outcome, depending on the type of mole removal procedure you have.
Which Types of Mole Require Surgical Excision?
Depending on the size and location of a skin lesion and the cosmetic concerns of the patient, some moles need to be surgically removed. In addition, some atypical moles or skin cancers require surgical excision due to their complexity or depth. When this type of plastic surgery is needed, it is best to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to help improve the cosmetic outcome and give you an optimal scar. If you have regular skin examinations with Dr. Green and a surgical excision is required for one of your atypical moles, she will refer you to a trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon for treatment.
The plastic surgeon or Moh’s surgeon (skin cancer surgeon) will mark the area, clean it, numb the area with a local anesthetic, and use a scalpel or another instrument to excise the mole with a border surrounding it. The size of the margin depends on both the anatomic location and the degree of atypia or skin cancer. With skin cancers or atypical moles, the border must be large enough to ensure complete removal. Stitches may be placed both superficially and deeply if it is a large, deep excision. The outer sutures are removed in approximately ten days, depending on the area of the body the mole was removed from. Special aftercare must be adhered to in order to keep the excision area clean after surgery. You will be advised not to do any unnecessary exercise or other activities that might interfere with wound healing. If excision is required, you may be asked to discontinue blood thinners, aspirin, Motrin, Alleve, multivitamins, herbal supplements, or any other medications that could prolong bleeding and delay wound healing and clotting.
What is the Mole Removal Procedure for a Shave Removal?
Depending on the size and location of the mole, a photo may first be taken to document the skin lesion. Occasionally, photos are forwarded to pathologists at the lab to assist in their diagnoses. The atypical mole to be removed is marked, cleaned with alcohol, and numbed with a local anesthetic such as lidocaine with epinephrine. The type of lidocaine used is short-acting so that the area will feel numb immediately. The addition of epinephrine causes vasoconstriction to reduce any unnecessary bleeding during the removal process. A sterile scalpel is then used to shave the mole flush to the skin. The mole is placed in formalin and sent to the pathology laboratory for examination under a microscope. If any additional bleeding occurs, the area will be cauterized with a hyfrecator or electric needle. The wound is then cleaned with hydrogen peroxide and covered with bacitracin ointment or Aquaphor and a bandaid. Written aftercare instructions are given to the patient when they leave the office following a mole removal procedure to guarantee the best outcome. Dr. Green will call you with the pathology results of the biopsy as soon as they are available. If additional follow-up is needed, Dr. Green will schedule your follow-up appointment or skin exam.
What is the aftercare for mole removal?
- After the mole removal procedure, you need to keep the area clean by applying a layer of Bacitracin ointment or Aquaphor to the wound and covering it with a bandage.
- You need to clean the wound twice a day with hydrogen peroxide or sterile water.
- You should avoid saunas, heat, and sun exposure.
- After cleaning the wound, it is time to apply more ointment and a new dressing.
This process needs to be repeated for one week or longer if stitches are involved until the wound is healed.
Common myths about wound healing
- One important myth about wounds is that you should let the wound “dry out” or “air out.” It is definitely not true that the open air helps to heal wounds. While wounds might scab up faster if left uncovered, they heal better if left covered with a layer of ointment to help the wound granulate and heal.
- Topical Vitamin E often delays wound healing and doesn’t improve it.
- Taking oral supplements will heal the wound faster. Some oral supplements also inhibit wound healing.
What follow-up is needed after mole removal?
Follow-up is needed to review the results of your biopsy. If the histology of your mole is atypical or cancerous, further surgery may be needed. If the mole is skin cancer, Dr. Green will recommend a complete skin exam since it is more common to have another atypical mole or skin cancer, which may have been out of view. Stitch removal is required if surgical excision is used to remove the mole unless your provider uses dissolvable stitches. Sutures of the face or ears are generally removed in five days. Sutures on the body may be removed in approximately ten days, as the skin is thicker on the body than the face and generally takes longer to heal.
What over-the-counter products and skin care creams are best for scars?
Scar Guard, Mederma advanced scar gel, Kelo-cote, Cica-care gel sheets, Advanced Formula Scar Gel, Cineosil Scar, and Laser Gel, among others, can all aid in wound healing. These gels provide a protective coating which helps in wound healing. Dr. Green often recommends simply using Aquaphor as a cost-efficient method for wound healing. Surgical excision is the most likely mole removal procedure to result in scarring. Usually, shave removal and electrodesiccation do not result in permanent scars. However, there may be some post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in the affected area following mole removal. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is characterized by residual pigmentation following wound healing, and it usually resolves on its own, but it can take several months. To accelerate the healing process of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Dr. Green may recommend a V-Beam laser treatment, chemical peel, or specially formulated skincare products, depending on the color of the residual pigmentation.
Why Do Some People Have Moles?
Some people are born with moles, which are referred to as congenital moles. Other people develop moles later in life. Sun exposure may contribute both to the number of moles and the development of atypical or dysplastic nevi. It is this increased UV exposure, whether it be via direct sunlight or tanning beds, that increases the risk of these moles developing more atypia and developing into skin cancers, such as melanoma. New moles and changing skin lesions must be evaluated by a dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, who specializes in diagnosing and treating different types of moles. Early detection is one of the most important factors in the successful treatment of skin cancer, especially melanoma, which is the most lethal type of skin cancer. Source: Cancer.gov
Which types of moles should be removed?
If you notice a new mole that wasn’t there before or a mole that has changed color, you should consult your dermatologist. Generally speaking, a mole larger than a pencil eraser should be evaluated by your dermatologist. The presence or absence of hair doesn’t always predict if a mole is benign. If there is hair in a mole, it is best to have the mole analyzed before proceeding with hair removal. If there is concern, a biopsy should be performed and sent to the laboratory for examination. If you see a very dark or black mole, the concern is that it might be a malignant melanoma or other atypical mole. These types of moles can metastasize and affect long-term survival, and if you see a black mole, it is urgent to consult your dermatologist immediately and have a complete skin exam.
Are mole removal pens safe to use?
No. Mole removal pens are not safe to use and are associated with many dangerous side effects and a significant risk of scarring. Mole removal products that are available at pharmacies or online are not guaranteed to be safe or effective. Instead, schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist who is specifically trained to evaluate different types of moles and can send a biopsy for further evaluation if medically necessary to rule out skin cancer. Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified dermatologist in NYC with over 25 years of experience diagnosing and treating skin cancer and providing mole removal procedures for cosmetic reasons. Whether you’re worried about a new mole, a changing skin lesion, or unsightly common moles, skin tags, or seborrheic keratoses, Dr. Green will work with you to ensure you receive the proper care and get an optimal outcome.
Who removes moles?
Only a board-certified healthcare provider should perform mole removal to guarantee safety and the best results. A dermatologist can evaluate your skin lesions prior to removal to assess whether a biopsy is necessary to test for skin cancer. If a mole looks particularly dark, asymmetrical, large, or has evolved, a biopsy may be warranted. If you are interested in mole removal for cosmetic reasons, a dermatologist can ensure that you achieve ideal results and encounter minimal scarring. Sometimes, a primary care provider or a plastic surgeon will remove a mole, depending on the complexity of the skin lesion and its location. Dr. Green advises her patients to have annual skin checks to evaluate for new or changing skin lesions. Patients with a history of atypical moles should have skin checks every six months and perform monthly self-exams to evaluate for new moles.
Who removes moles on the face?
A dermatologist specializes in diagnosing and treating various skin conditions and should assess skin lesions on the face before removal to determine whether a biopsy is necessary to rule out skin cancer. Depending on the complexity of the skin lesion, a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon may remove a mole on the face. If surgical excision is required to remove skin cancer from the face, Dr. Green may refer you to a trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon.
Why do I need sunscreen for my moles?
Moles can change in color and become more atypical or dysplastic over time. It is important to use sunscreen on a daily basis and minimize sun exposure when you are outside. Dr. Green recommends sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, which provides both UVA and UVB protection. Proper use of daily sunscreen can protect you from skin cancer and the damaging effects of UV rays on your skin. Most moles occur in areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, and sun exposure can cause an increase in the number of moles an individual has. This is because the skin cells that are responsible for producing melanin or pigment in the skin are activated by UV exposure.
Will my mole removal leave a scar?
All mole removal procedures have the potential to leave a scar, as scar formation is part of the body’s natural healing process in response to lost or damaged skin tissue. Some mole removal procedures are more likely to result in a scar than others. Surgical excision is the most likely mole removal procedure to leave a scar. Electrodesiccation, a procedure where the mole is burned with an electric current, and shave removal are mole removal procedures that are much less likely to result in scarring. The likelihood of a residual scar may also depend on the depth of the mole being removed and your body’s natural wound-healing response. It is critical to adhere to the aftercare protocol provided by your healthcare provider following a mole removal procedure.
The aftercare instructions you receive will help ensure that the wound heals properly and reduce your chances of scarring. Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist who offers a variety of mole removal procedures in the interest of achieving the best cosmetic results, even if the mole removal is medically necessary. Dr. Green will provide you with all of the aftercare instructions you need to guarantee you get the best results. If there is any residual scar or pigmentation from your mole removal procedure, Dr. Green may recommend certain skincare products or in-office procedures, such as V-Beam laser, to reduce the appearance.
Will my insurance cover mole removal?
Insurance coverage always depends on your individual plan. If mole removal is medically necessary, such as in the case of suspicious or atypical moles or skin cancers, it is usually covered by insurance. Mole removal may also be covered if the skin lesion is causing other issues, such as vision complications or pain. The removal of non-cancerous moles for cosmetic reasons is usually not covered by insurance. It is also important to confirm your out-of-network benefits if you are having a mole removal procedure with a healthcare provider outside of your network. The best way to determine your coverage is by contacting your insurance provider by calling the phone number on your insurance card.
Can you swim after mole removal?
After a mole removal procedure, the area should be kept dry for at least two days. This aftercare instruction is intended to reduce the risk of infection, which increases if a wound is wet before tissue has regrown. After two days, usually enough tissue regrowth has occurred to prevent infection. However, you may be advised to avoid submerging the area in water for extended periods, including swimming and taking long baths, for up to one week after mole removal. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider after your mole removal procedure.
Can you shower after mole removal?
It is usually recommended to wait for two days before showering after a mole removal procedure. This is because there is a greater risk of infection if the area becomes wet before tissue has regrown over the wound. After two days, there is typically enough tissue regrowth to prevent infection. It is important that after showering, the area is tended to properly to ensure that it heals well. If the area is covered with a waterproof bandage, it may be okay to shower before two days have passed. Be sure to change the dressing after showering. The wound should be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, bacitracin, or Aquaphor should be applied to the wound, and it should be covered with a bandage. This aftercare protocol should be adhered to for at least one week.
Where can I find more information on moles?
There is a great deal of information now available online, through Google, about the different types of moles. In addition, your dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green, should have pamphlets available for you to read on nevi (moles), skin cancer, and the changes that you should look for in a new mole or changing mole. In addition, there is a great deal of information on moles from the American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org), the Mayo Clinic’s website, and the Skin Cancer Foundation’s website.
Where to get moles removed
Moles are common skin growths that may be benign or cancerous and are often removed for medical or cosmetic reasons. Moles can be removed by being shaved with a scalpel, burned with an electric current, or via surgical excision, depending on the location, complexity, and type of mole. Skin lesions must be evaluated and removed by an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green in New York, in order to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Green is an active member of the Skin Cancer Foundation Society and regularly donates her time for skin cancer screenings. She believes that early diagnosis of skin cancer saves lives, especially in regard to melanoma, the most lethal type of skin cancer. Dr. Green offers various mole removal procedures at her private, boutique dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with customized skincare and treatment plans depending on their concerns and goals. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by the New York Times, Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. If you’re concerned about the appearance of new moles or a changing skin lesion or are interested in removing common moles, skin tags, or seborrheic keratoses for cosmetic reasons, please don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Contact us online today or call 212-535-3088 to learn more about mole removal from our New York City practice.